FARGO (KFGO-AM) -- A 5-member committee that spent the past two months reviewing administrative practices and morale in the Fargo Police Department presented their recommendations to the City Commission. They come two weeks after the resignation of Police Chief Keith Ternes.
The recommentions include: improving communication among staff, setting up a balanced disciplinary procedure with checks and balances, establishing more interaction between senior staff and officers, providing a strong message of support to staff, increase hiring and examine pay scales.
The panel interviewed 90 current and former officers and several from other law enforcement agencies to help develop those recommendations.
Committee member Jim Prochniak said almost everyone interviewed thought it was time for Ternes to go. They described the chief as not approachable or defensive. But others expressed concern Ternes was "wrongly judged and being made the scapegoat."
Panel chairman Brian Berg said it will take time to restore confidence within the department and "create a positive work environment. "
Mayor Dennis Walaker, disappointed this happened on his watch, said "there's only one direction to go now and that's up."